A redesign for two luxury homes on Withdean Road, Brighton

We were appointed in September 2021 to carry out a review on a housing scheme on an elevated site in the prestigious Withdean / Dyke Road area of Brighton.

The site already had planning consent for an additional dwelling within a large, 0.24 hectare rear garden. Our brief was to re-appraise the approved design, as well as develop a design concept for a replacement dwelling fronting onto Withdean Road, something which was not within the original design brief.

Our design added significant value to the proposals and challenged some of the pre-conceptions of the first scheme. Taking the project on with fresh eyes meant we could see things from a new perspective. We worked to achieve better integration into the site topography and, by rotating the plan form of the new dwelling, we were able to achieve a new perspective for the client too: panoramic views to the north east across the Brighton skyline whilst simultaneously eliminating sightlines between the two houses.

The end result is two unique and distinctive luxury five bedroomed homes featuring integral garages, cinema rooms and master suites with dressing and ensuites. Both homes make the most of stunning views, set within well-screened and spacious landscaped grounds.

With such marked changes in levels, the build itself will inevitably have some hurdles to overcome, but work is progressing well on site and the form of the lower house is beginning to take shape.

It’s always worth a second look at a scheme if you feel there’s scope to do more – even if you have already secured planning consent.

As planners and architects we are well placed to devise and deliver planning strategies that add value – and our architects know how to spot design opportunities that can elevate a scheme.